EP3210869A1 - Flexible frame cycle - Google Patents

Flexible frame cycle Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3210869A1
EP3210869A1 EP17157769.5A EP17157769A EP3210869A1 EP 3210869 A1 EP3210869 A1 EP 3210869A1 EP 17157769 A EP17157769 A EP 17157769A EP 3210869 A1 EP3210869 A1 EP 3210869A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tube
frame
cycle
bend
fork
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Granted
Application number
EP17157769.5A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3210869B1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Pascal Yvoz
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Individual
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Individual
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K3/00—Bicycles
    • B62K3/02—Frames
    • B62K3/06—Frames of open type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K19/00—Cycle frames
    • B62K19/02—Cycle frames characterised by material or cross-section of frame members
    • B62K19/04—Cycle frames characterised by material or cross-section of frame members the material being wholly or mainly metallic, e.g. of high elasticity
    • B62K19/06—Cycle frames characterised by material or cross-section of frame members the material being wholly or mainly metallic, e.g. of high elasticity tubular
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K3/00—Bicycles
    • B62K3/02—Frames
    • B62K3/10—Frames of single-beam type, i.e. connecting steering head to rear axle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K25/00—Axle suspensions
    • B62K25/04—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
    • B62K2025/041—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork the cycle frame being made of a flexible material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K3/00—Bicycles
    • B62K3/002—Bicycles without a seat, i.e. the rider operating the vehicle in a standing position, e.g. non-motorized scooters; non-motorized scooters with skis or runners

Definitions

  • a cycle is defined as a vehicle having at least two wheels and powered exclusively by the muscular energy of people on that vehicle.
  • An assisted pedal cycle is a cycle equipped with an electric auxiliary motor.
  • a cycle will be called such a vehicle, whether pedal assisted or not.
  • a cycle usually comprises a front wheel connected, free to rotate about its axis, to a front fork, itself connected to a handlebar, said front fork and said handlebar being rotatably connected to a steering tube.
  • the handlebars and the fork can be mechanically secured, or be connected by a belt or chain so that the rotation of the handlebar causes a corresponding rotation of the fork.
  • the cycle also includes a rear wheel connected freely rotatable about its axis to a rear fork.
  • a frame connects said rear fork and said steering tube and allows the assembly to form a vehicle.
  • the front or rear fork can sometimes be replaced by a single side arm. This case is considered to be included in the present invention. Even if in the following we will limit our to mentioning the fork, a fork should be included in the context of the present invention as alternatively be a lateral arm for holding a wheel.
  • a cycle frame usually consists of a horizontal tube, a diagonal tube, and an almost vertical seat tube, slightly inclined backwards. These three tubes are welded to one another, and form a triangle; we say that the frame is triangulated.
  • the arrangement of the three tubes may vary. It is particularly different for a bike man or woman (the tube “horizontal” is also inclined to facilitate the passage of the foot to get on the bike, even for a bike man is sometimes a bit inclined). It is also different for a scooter for which the horizontal and diagonal tubes are pushed forward and inclined both to make room for a platform for the support of the feet.
  • the triangulation is replaced by a plate, for example wood, or by a wide profile that replaces the two horizontal tubes and diagonal, ensuring the strength and rigidity of the frame, and welded to a seat tube.
  • the rear fork is usually fixed to the frame rigidly also using a stay, again forming a triangulation.
  • the fork is then made massive, to give the holding, but at the same time gives rigidity.
  • the present invention aims to overcome at least in part these disadvantages.
  • a pedaling cycle assisted or not comprising a frame, a front wheel connected, free in rotation about its axis, a front fork itself connected to a handlebar, said front fork and said handlebar being freely rotatably connected to a steering tube, and a rear wheel connected freely in rotation about its axis to a rear fork, characterized in that said frame consists essentially of a single folded tube, fixed at its front end to the steering tube and on which the arm or rear fork is attached.
  • the invention relates to a bicycle, represented in Fig. 1 , and comprising a frame 1, a steering tube 2 and a rear fork 3.
  • the bicycle according to the invention further comprises a front wheel 4, fixed to a front fork 5 and directed by a handlebar 6 according to the operation of a conventional bicycle, and a rear wheel 7 fixed to the rear fork 3.
  • a pedal 8 allows to drive the rear wheel 7 through a tray, a chain and a pinion, according to the operation of a conventional bicycle.
  • the frame 1 consists of a single folded metal tube, one end of which is welded to the steering tube 2 and the other end constitutes a seat tube, and can accommodate the stem of a seat 9.
  • the frame 1 thus provides greater flexibility than a triangulated frame of the state of the art, or that a seatpost welded to a massive front piece. It is thus possible to offer comfort for the cyclist superior to the comfort offered by a conventional bicycle without damper.
  • the frame 1, consisting of a single tube, is also lighter than a conventional frame, which has a significant impact on the total weight of the bicycle and therefore the efforts required of the cyclist.
  • the frame 1 advantageously comprises a steering elbow 10 allowing a weld substantially perpendicular to the steering tube 2 and a rapid diagonal descent 11 to obtain a crotch 12 particularly low. It has a front elbow 13, allowing a crotch 12 substantially horizontal. In this way the crotch is particularly low over a significant length, for example 300 mm.
  • the frame finally has a rear bend 14 to obtain a rising portion forming the seat tube 15.
  • the crotch 12 can serve as a platform for a foot, so that the bike can also be used as a scooter for example to traffic in a congested pedestrian zone, or if the propulsion system fails.
  • the pedal 8 can be fixed on a straight part of the frame 1, to avoid stiffening the rear bend 14, on which the pedal is usually fixed. Indeed by welding the pedal 8 at the rear elbow 14, it becomes massive, and loses its qualities of flexibility.
  • the rear fork 3 may consist of two arms in the form of bent tubes, for example oval or oblong tubes, with, for example, dimensions 2 cm wide and 4 cm high, again making it possible to provide great flexibility. Unlike the state of the art the rear fork 3 is not maintained by a stay, and is not massive. The two tubes are welded exclusively at their end to the seat tube 15. It is also sought to avoid welding at the rear bend, so as not to stiffen it.
  • the rear fork 3 may also consist of a single lateral arm, keeping the rear wheel 7.
  • the front fork 5 may also consist of two oval or oblong tubes.
  • the front fork can consist of two such tubes connecting the wheel directly to the handlebars, and a cylindrical axis fit to receive the steering tube, said axis being fixed on a cross member connecting the two oval or oblong tubes.
  • the rear fork 3 is, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. Fig. 1 welded to the frame 1 above the pedal 8. This has the advantage of facilitating the disassembly of the chain; it suffices to disassemble the rear wheel 7, and the chain can be removed without opening. This presents a particular advantage for the use of a belt, which can not be opened.
  • the bicycle according to this embodiment of the invention can therefore receive a belt for transmitting the force of the pedal 8 to the rear wheel 7.
  • the invention in a second embodiment, relates to a scooter represented in Fig. 3 and comprising a frame 1, a steering tube 2 and a rear fork 3.
  • the scooter according to the invention further comprises a front wheel 4 fixed to a front fork 5 and directed by a handlebar 6 according to the operation of a conventional scooter, and a rear wheel 7 fixed to a rear fork 3.
  • Frame 1 of the scooter of the Fig. 3 is similar to frame 1 of the bicycle of the Fig. 1 in that it consists of a single tube comprising a steering elbow 10, a diagonal 11, a front elbow 13, a crotch 12 forming a platform for supporting the feet of the user, and a rear elbow 14. There is no seat tube 15, since this cycle has no saddle 9. There is nevertheless a straight portion along the rear elbow 14, to which is fixed a rear fork 3. Its section also has a square or rectangular shape. The advantages mentioned above in terms of simplicity of manufacture and flexibility of use are therefore similar to those of the bicycle according to the invention.
  • the tube forming the frame 1 may have a square section, for example 4cm side and thus be easier to produce and weld to other parts of the cycle, the shape of the weld section being simple, either square or rectangular.
  • the tube may also be rectangular, with a length slightly greater than the width, for example a height of 6cm for a width of 4cm.
  • the square tube can be bent according to the method of the American elbow, that is to say by giving its section a shape of H, as represented in FIG. Fig. 2 .
  • Elbows 10, 13, 14 may preferably be made by "American" bending, in which the two walls perpendicular to the plane of the bend are first inserted into the examples of FIGS. the upper and lower planes of the square or rectangular tube, before proceeding to bending, preferably cold.
  • Such a method makes it possible to control the deformation of the tube during bending, and to prevent tearing of the skin outside the elbow to thinner thicknesses than with other bending methods.
  • the quadratic moment of the tube is reduced because of the dagger shape at the elbows, typically 20% or even 50%, thus creating flexible elbows, which gives the tube good flexibility in the elbows 10 , 13, 14.
  • the radius of the front wheel 4 is smaller than the radius of the rear wheel 7, they can for example measure respectively 20 inches and 26 inches.
  • the 20-inch front wheel can be equipped with an electric motor.
  • the tires used for the wheels 4, 7 may be balloon tires with a thickness of 55 to 60 mm. This type of tire makes it possible to drive on any kind of road or road and offers more flexibility, especially because of the reduced pressure, at 2 or 2.5 bars.
  • the advantage of the balloon tire is also to deform differently from narrow tires, so as to reduce rolling friction.
  • the frame 1 can be made of steel, thus having greater flexibility than an aluminum frame.
  • the greater weight of steel is compensated by the particular shape of the single-tube frame.
  • the selected steel may be E220 steel, or for greater performance in terms of weight and / or strength of 15CDV6 steel.
  • the cycle according to the invention may comprise a front support 16, for example fixed on the steering tube.
  • This front support can be used to carry a load like a basket.
  • it can also accommodate a connector for locking and charging, and transmit information enabling a central system to locate the bicycle.
  • the cycle of the invention may include a hinge at the diagonal 11 or the crotch 12. This allows to fold the cycle for storage, or for transport.
  • the invention may also relate to a conventional tricycle, comprising two rear wheels and a front wheel, or a tricycle called "trike", comprising a rear wheel and two front wheels.
  • a conventional tricycle comprising two rear wheels and a front wheel
  • a tricycle called "trike” comprising a rear wheel and two front wheels.
  • the advantage of the cycle according to the invention is first of all its flexibility, making it possible to obtain, without setting up dampers, a comfort equivalent to the cycles of the state of the art with dampers. This flexibility also allows in case of frontal impact, to absorb some of the impact energy by folding the frame, thus reducing the effect of the shock on the cyclist himself.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Steering Devices For Bicycles And Motorcycles (AREA)
  • Automatic Cycles, And Cycles In General (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un cycle, à pédalage assisté ou non, comprenant un cadre (1), une roue avant (4) reliée, libre en rotation autour de son axe, à une fourche avant (5) elle-même reliée à un guidon (6), ladite fourche avant (5) et ledit guidon (6) étant reliés de façon libre en rotation à un tube de direction (2), et une roue arrière (7) reliée libre en rotation autour de son axe à une fourche arrière (3), caractérisé en ce que ledit cadre (1) est constitué essentiellement d'un seul tube plié, fixé à son extrémité avant au tube de direction (2) et sur lequel la fourche arrière (3) est fixée. La présente invention concerne encore un procédé de fabrication d'un cadre de cycle (1) selon l'invention.The present invention relates to a cycle, pedal assisted or not, comprising a frame (1), a front wheel (4) connected, free in rotation about its axis, to a front fork (5) itself connected to a handlebar (6), said front fork (5) and said handlebar (6) being rotatably connected to a steering tube (2), and a rear wheel (7) freely rotatably connected about its axis to a fork rear (3), characterized in that said frame (1) consists essentially of a single folded tube, fixed at its front end to the steering tube (2) and on which the rear fork (3) is fixed. The present invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a cycle frame (1) according to the invention.

Description

La présente invention se situe dans le domaine des cycles. Un cycle est défini comme un véhicule ayant au moins deux roues et propulsé exclusivement par l'énergie musculaire des personnes se trouvant sur ce véhicule. Un cycle à pédalage assisté est un cycle équipé d'un moteur auxiliaire électrique.The present invention is in the field of cycles. A cycle is defined as a vehicle having at least two wheels and powered exclusively by the muscular energy of people on that vehicle. An assisted pedal cycle is a cycle equipped with an electric auxiliary motor.

Dans le cadre de la présente demande, on appellera cycle un tel véhicule, qu'il soit à pédalage assisté ou non.In the context of the present application, a cycle will be called such a vehicle, whether pedal assisted or not.

Un cycle comporte habituellement une roue avant reliée, libre en rotation autour de son axe, à une fourche avant, elle même reliée à un guidon, ladite fourche avant et ledit guidon étant reliés de façon libre en rotation à un tube de direction. Le guidon et la fourche peuvent être mécaniquement solidaires, ou encore être reliés par un courroie ou une chaine de sorte que la rotation du guidon entraine une rotation correspondante de la fourche. Le cycle comporte également une roue arrière reliée libre en rotation autour de son axe à une fourche arrière. Un cadre relie ladite fourche arrière et ledit tube de direction et permet à l'ensemble de former un véhicule.A cycle usually comprises a front wheel connected, free to rotate about its axis, to a front fork, itself connected to a handlebar, said front fork and said handlebar being rotatably connected to a steering tube. The handlebars and the fork can be mechanically secured, or be connected by a belt or chain so that the rotation of the handlebar causes a corresponding rotation of the fork. The cycle also includes a rear wheel connected freely rotatable about its axis to a rear fork. A frame connects said rear fork and said steering tube and allows the assembly to form a vehicle.

La fourche avant ou arrière peut parfois être remplacée par un bras latéral unique. Ce cas de figure est considéré comme inclus dans la présente invention. Même si dans la suite on se limitera à citer la fourche, une fourche devra être comprise dans le cadre de la présente invention comme pouvant alternativement être un bras latéral de maintien d'une roue.The front or rear fork can sometimes be replaced by a single side arm. This case is considered to be included in the present invention. Even if in the following we will limit ourselves to mentioning the fork, a fork should be included in the context of the present invention as alternatively be a lateral arm for holding a wheel.

Un cadre de cycle se compose habituellement d'un tube horizontal, d'un tube diagonal, et d'un tube de selle presque vertical, légèrement incliné vers l'arrière. Ces trois tubes sont soudés l'un à l'autre, et forment un triangle ; on dit que le cadre est triangulé. La disposition des trois tubes peut varier. Elle est notamment différente pour un vélo homme ou femme (le tube « horizontal » est également incliné pour faciliter le passage du pied pour monter sur le vélo ; même pour un vélo homme il est parfois un peu incliné). Elle est aussi différente pour une trottinette pour laquelle les tubes horizontal et diagonal sont repoussés vers l'avant et inclinés tous les deux pour laisser la place à une plateforme pour l'appui des pieds.A cycle frame usually consists of a horizontal tube, a diagonal tube, and an almost vertical seat tube, slightly inclined backwards. These three tubes are welded to one another, and form a triangle; we say that the frame is triangulated. The arrangement of the three tubes may vary. It is particularly different for a bike man or woman (the tube "horizontal" is also inclined to facilitate the passage of the foot to get on the bike, even for a bike man is sometimes a bit inclined). It is also different for a scooter for which the horizontal and diagonal tubes are pushed forward and inclined both to make room for a platform for the support of the feet.

Pour certains cadres la triangulation est remplacée par une plaque, par exemple en bois, ou encore par un profilé large qui remplace les deux tubes horizontal et diagonal, assurant la tenue et la rigidité du cadre, et soudé à un tube de selle.For some frames the triangulation is replaced by a plate, for example wood, or by a wide profile that replaces the two horizontal tubes and diagonal, ensuring the strength and rigidity of the frame, and welded to a seat tube.

La fourche arrière est généralement fixée au cadre de manière rigide également à l'aide d'un hauban, formant là encore une triangulation. Quand il n'y a pas de hauban, la fourche est alors réalisée massive, pour donner de la tenue, mais en même temps on donne de la rigidité.The rear fork is usually fixed to the frame rigidly also using a stay, again forming a triangulation. When there is no guy, the fork is then made massive, to give the holding, but at the same time gives rigidity.

Lors de la conception d'un cycle, un des points importants est d'assurer le confort du cycliste. Dans ce but, et pour des usages du cycle sur des revêtements qui ne sont pas lisses, ou hors des routes goudronnées, il est possible de doter la fourche avant et/ou la fourche arrière, voire la selle, d'amortisseurs. Toutefois l'introduction d'amortisseurs complexifie la conception, et augmente le coût et le poids total de la bicyclette.When designing a cycle, one of the important points is to ensure the comfort of the cyclist. For this purpose, and for cycle uses on coatings that are not smooth, or off the paved roads, it is possible to provide the front fork and / or the rear fork, or saddle, dampers. However the introduction of shock absorbers complicates the design, and increases the cost and the total weight of the bicycle.

La présente invention a pour objet de pallier au moins en partie à ces inconvénients. A cet effet, elle propose un cycle à pédalage assisté ou non, comprenant un cadre, une roue avant reliée, libre en rotation autour de son axe, à une fourche avant elle-même reliée à un guidon, ladite fourche avant et ledit guidon étant reliés de façon libre en rotation à un tube de direction, et une roue arrière reliée libre en rotation autour de son axe à une fourche arrière, caractérisé en ce que ledit cadre est constitué essentiellement d'un seul tube plié, fixé à son extrémité avant au tube de direction et sur lequel le bras ou la fourche arrière est fixée.The present invention aims to overcome at least in part these disadvantages. For this purpose, it proposes a pedaling cycle assisted or not, comprising a frame, a front wheel connected, free in rotation about its axis, a front fork itself connected to a handlebar, said front fork and said handlebar being freely rotatably connected to a steering tube, and a rear wheel connected freely in rotation about its axis to a rear fork, characterized in that said frame consists essentially of a single folded tube, fixed at its front end to the steering tube and on which the arm or rear fork is attached.

Grâce à ces dispositions, le poids total du cycle est réduit et la souplesse est plus importante qu'avec un cadre triangulé de l'état de la technique, le confort du cycliste est donc amélioré.
Selon d'autres caractéristiques :

  • ledit tube plié peut comporter au moins un coude souple, défini par le fait que le moment quadratique au niveau du coude souple est plus faible qu'au niveau des parties droites dudit tube plié ; ceci afin d'améliorer encore la flexibilité du cadre au niveau de ses coudes et ainsi la souplesse du cadre et le confort du cycliste,
  • ledit tube plié peut être carré ou rectangulaire, et ledit coude souple peut être un coude dit américain, dans lequel les faces du tube perpendiculaires au plan du coude sont enfoncées au niveau du coude, de sorte à donner à la section du tube une forme en H ; ainsi les soudures du cadre aux différents éléments du cycle sont simplifiées et ce type de réalisation des coudes par cintrage dit américain permet de conserver une épaisseur de peau satisfaisante même à partir de tubes plus fins,
  • ledit tube plié peut comporter un coude souple comme coude avant et un coude souple comme coude arrière disposés proches du bas dudit cycle et espacés entre eux, de sorte à former une partie rectiligne du tube, sensiblement horizontale et proche du sol, facilitant ainsi pour le cycliste le passage du pied au moment d'enfourcher le cycle,
  • ledit cycle peut comporter un coude de direction souple, proche de l'extrémité avant du tube, de sorte à permettre une partie de tube coudé fortement inclinée vers le bas tout en échappant la roue avant, ceci permettant de faciliter la fixation par soudure du tube de direction au cadre,
  • ledit tube plié peut former un tube de selle au-delà dudit coude arrière, et ledit cycle peut comporter un pédalier fixé au cadre au dessus dudit coude arrière au niveau dudit tube de selle, ainsi la fixation du pédalier au cadre ne rend pas le coude arrière sensiblement plus rigide,
  • ladite fourche arrière, ou chacun des deux bras de ladite fourche arrière, peut être maintenue par ledit cadre uniquement par l'extrémité de ladite fourche arrière ou de chacun de deux bras de ladite fourche arrière, de sorte à former un maintien souple de la roue arrière par rapport au cadre, ainsi la souplesse du cycle est encore améliorée,
  • l'extrémité de ladite fourche arrière ou de chacun de deux bras de ladite fourche arrière est fixée audit cadre au niveau d'une partie rectiligne dudit tube plié, ainsi la fixation de la fourche arrière au cadre ne rend pas le coude arrière sensiblement plus rigide,
Thanks to these provisions, the total weight of the cycle is reduced and the flexibility is greater than with a triangulated frame of the state of the art, the comfort of the cyclist is improved.
According to other characteristics:
  • said folded tube may comprise at least one flexible bend, defined by the fact that the quadratic moment at the flexible bend is lower than at the straight portions of said bent tube; this in order to further improve the flexibility of the frame at its elbows and thus the flexibility of the frame and the comfort of the cyclist,
  • said folded tube may be square or rectangular, and said flexible elbow may be a so-called American elbow, in which the faces of the tube perpendicular to the plane of the elbow are depressed at the elbow, so as to give the section of the tube an H-shape; thus the welds of the frame to the various elements of the cycle are simplified and this type of realization of elbows by so-called American bending allows to maintain a satisfactory skin thickness even from thinner tubes,
  • said folded tube may comprise a flexible elbow as a front elbow and a flexible elbow as a rear elbow disposed near the bottom of said cycle and spaced apart from each other, so as to form a rectilinear part of the tube, substantially horizontal and close to the ground, thus making it easier for the cyclist the passage of the foot when getting on the cycle,
  • said cycle may comprise a flexible direction of elbow, close to the front end of the tube, so as to allow a portion of angled tube strongly inclined downwards while escaping the front wheel, this to facilitate the fixing by welding the tube from direction to frame,
  • said folded tube may form a seat tube beyond said rear bend, and said cycle may include a crankset secured to the frame above said rear bend at said seat tube, thus securing the crankset to the frame does not make the bend rear substantially stiffer,
  • said rear fork, or each of the two arms of said rear fork, can be held by said frame only by the end of said rear fork or each of two arms of said rear fork, so as to form a flexible support of the wheel back to the frame, so the flexibility of the cycle is further improved,
  • the end of said rear fork or each of two arms of said rear fork is fixed to said frame at a straight portion of said folded tube, thus fixing the rear fork to the frame does not make the rear bend substantially more rigid ,

La présente invention concerne aussi un procédé de fabrication d'un cadre de cycle, comportant les étapes suivantes :

  • Coupe d'un tube métallique à section carrée ou rectangulaire, à une longueur prédéfinie pour le cadre,
  • Cintrage du tube métallique pour former le cadre, sans triangulation,
  • Fixation, notamment par soudure, de divers éléments au cadre, en particulier le tube de direction et la fourche arrière,
The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a cycle frame, comprising the following steps:
  • Section of a metal tube with square or rectangular section, to a predefined length for the frame,
  • Bending of the metal tube to form the frame, without triangulation,
  • Fastening, in particular by welding, various elements to the frame, in particular the steering tube and the rear fork,

Grâce à ces dispositions, la fabrication d'un cadre de cycle est facilitée, et produit un cadre de cycle souple et léger.With these provisions, the manufacture of a cycle frame is facilitated, and produces a flexible and lightweight cycle frame.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques :

  • l'étape de cintrage du tube métallique pour former le cadre comprend une étape de déformation du tube par enfoncement d'un outil dans ses deux faces opposées perpendiculaires au plan du coude de sorte à donner à la section du profil une forme en H, puis une étape de cintrage à froid, ce type de cintrage permettant de conserver une épaisseur de peau satisfaisante à partir de tubes plus fins.
According to other characteristics:
  • the step of bending the metal tube to form the frame comprises a step of deformation of the tube by driving a tool into its two opposite faces perpendicular to the plane of the bend so as to give the section of the profile an H shape, then a cold bending step, this type of bending to maintain a satisfactory skin thickness from thinner tubes.

La présente invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description détaillée qui fait suite, en référence aux figures annexées dans lesquelles :

  • La figure 1 est une vue de côté d'un cycle selon l'invention, sous la forme d'une bicyclette.
  • La figure 2 est une vue en coupe d'un tube au niveau d'un coude du cadre du cycle de la fig. 1.
  • La figure 3 est une vue de côté d'un cycle selon un deuxième mode de réalisation, sous la forme d'une trottinette.
The present invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended figures in which:
  • The figure 1 is a side view of a cycle according to the invention, in the form of a bicycle.
  • The figure 2 is a sectional view of a tube at a bend in the frame of the cycle of the Fig. 1 .
  • The figure 3 is a side view of a cycle according to a second embodiment, in the form of a scooter.

Dans un premier mode de réalisation, l'invention concerne une bicyclette, représentée en fig. 1, et comprenant un cadre 1, un tube de direction 2 et une fourche arrière 3.In a first embodiment, the invention relates to a bicycle, represented in Fig. 1 , and comprising a frame 1, a steering tube 2 and a rear fork 3.

La bicyclette selon l'invention comprend encore une roue avant 4, fixée à une fourche avant 5 et dirigée par un guidon 6 selon le fonctionnement d'une bicyclette classique, et une roue arrière 7 fixée à la fourche arrière 3. Un pédalier 8 permet d'entraîner la roue arrière 7 par l'intermédiaire d'un plateau, d'une chaîne et d'un pignon, selon le fonctionnement d'une bicyclette classique.The bicycle according to the invention further comprises a front wheel 4, fixed to a front fork 5 and directed by a handlebar 6 according to the operation of a conventional bicycle, and a rear wheel 7 fixed to the rear fork 3. A pedal 8 allows to drive the rear wheel 7 through a tray, a chain and a pinion, according to the operation of a conventional bicycle.

Le cadre 1 est constitué d'un seul tube métallique plié, dont une extrémité est soudée au tube de direction 2 et l'autre extrémité constitue un tube de selle, et peut accueillir la tige d'une selle 9. Le cadre 1 offre ainsi une souplesse plus importante qu'un cadre triangulé de l'état de la technique, ou qu'une tige de selle soudée à une pièce avant massive. Il est ainsi possible d'offrir un confort pour le cycliste supérieur au confort offert par une bicyclette classique sans amortisseur. Le cadre 1, étant composé d'un tube unique, est également plus léger qu'un cadre classique, ce qui a un impact important sur le poids total de la bicyclette et donc sur les efforts demandés au cycliste.The frame 1 consists of a single folded metal tube, one end of which is welded to the steering tube 2 and the other end constitutes a seat tube, and can accommodate the stem of a seat 9. The frame 1 thus provides greater flexibility than a triangulated frame of the state of the art, or that a seatpost welded to a massive front piece. It is thus possible to offer comfort for the cyclist superior to the comfort offered by a conventional bicycle without damper. The frame 1, consisting of a single tube, is also lighter than a conventional frame, which has a significant impact on the total weight of the bicycle and therefore the efforts required of the cyclist.

Le cadre 1 comporte avantageusement un coude de direction 10 permettant une soudure sensiblement perpendiculaire au tube de direction 2 puis une descente rapide formant diagonale 11 pour obtenir un entre-jambes 12 particulièrement bas. Il comporte un coude avant 13, permettant un entre-jambes 12 sensiblement horizontal. De cette façon l'entre-jambes est particulièrement bas sur une longueur significative, par exemple 300 mm. Le cadre comporte enfin un coude arrière 14 permettant d'obtenir une partie remontante formant tube de selle 15. L'entre-jambes 12 peut servir de plateforme pour un pied, de sorte que le vélo peut aussi être utilisé comme une trottinette par exemple pour une circulation en zone piétonne encombrée, ou si le dispositif de propulsion est défaillant.The frame 1 advantageously comprises a steering elbow 10 allowing a weld substantially perpendicular to the steering tube 2 and a rapid diagonal descent 11 to obtain a crotch 12 particularly low. It has a front elbow 13, allowing a crotch 12 substantially horizontal. In this way the crotch is particularly low over a significant length, for example 300 mm. The frame finally has a rear bend 14 to obtain a rising portion forming the seat tube 15. The crotch 12 can serve as a platform for a foot, so that the bike can also be used as a scooter for example to traffic in a congested pedestrian zone, or if the propulsion system fails.

Le pédalier 8 peut être fixé sur une partie droite du cadre 1, pour éviter de rigidifier le coude arrière 14, sur lequel le pédalier est habituellement fixé. En effet en soudant le pédalier 8 au niveau du coude arrière 14, celui-ci devient massif, et perd ses qualités de souplesse.The pedal 8 can be fixed on a straight part of the frame 1, to avoid stiffening the rear bend 14, on which the pedal is usually fixed. Indeed by welding the pedal 8 at the rear elbow 14, it becomes massive, and loses its qualities of flexibility.

La fourche arrière 3 peut être constituée de deux bras en forme de tubes pliés, par exemple des tubes ovales ou oblongs, avec comme exemple de dimensions, 2cm de large et 4cm de haut, permettant là encore d'apporter une grande souplesse. Contrairement à l'état de la technique la fourche arrière 3 n'est pas maintenue par un hauban, et n'est pas massive. Les deux tubes sont soudés exclusivement au niveau de leur extrémité au tube de selle 15. On cherche là aussi à éviter la soudure au niveau du coude arrière, pour ne pas rigidifier celui-ci.The rear fork 3 may consist of two arms in the form of bent tubes, for example oval or oblong tubes, with, for example, dimensions 2 cm wide and 4 cm high, again making it possible to provide great flexibility. Unlike the state of the art the rear fork 3 is not maintained by a stay, and is not massive. The two tubes are welded exclusively at their end to the seat tube 15. It is also sought to avoid welding at the rear bend, so as not to stiffen it.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation non représenté, la fourche arrière 3 peut aussi être constituée d'un seul bras latéral, maintenant la roue arrière 7.According to another embodiment not shown, the rear fork 3 may also consist of a single lateral arm, keeping the rear wheel 7.

La fourche avant 5 peut aussi être constituée de deux tubes ovales ou oblongs. Dans un mode particulier de réalisation, la fourche avant peut être constituée de deux tels tubes reliant la roue directement au guidon, et d'un axe cylindrique apte à recevoir le tube de direction, ledit axe étant fixé sur une traverse reliant les deux tubes ovales ou oblongs.The front fork 5 may also consist of two oval or oblong tubes. In a particular embodiment, the front fork can consist of two such tubes connecting the wheel directly to the handlebars, and a cylindrical axis fit to receive the steering tube, said axis being fixed on a cross member connecting the two oval or oblong tubes.

La fourche arrière 3 est, selon le mode de réalisation représenté à la fig. 1, soudé au cadre 1 au-dessus du pédalier 8. Ceci présente l'avantage de faciliter le démontage de la chaine ; il suffit en effet de démonter la roue arrière 7, et la chaine peut s'enlever sans l'ouvrir. Ceci présente un avantage particulier pour l'utilisation d'une courroie, qu'on ne peut pas ouvrir. La bicyclette selon ce mode de réalisation de l'invention peut donc recevoir une courroie pour transmettre l'effort du pédalier 8 à la roue arrière 7.The rear fork 3 is, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. Fig. 1 welded to the frame 1 above the pedal 8. This has the advantage of facilitating the disassembly of the chain; it suffices to disassemble the rear wheel 7, and the chain can be removed without opening. This presents a particular advantage for the use of a belt, which can not be opened. The bicycle according to this embodiment of the invention can therefore receive a belt for transmitting the force of the pedal 8 to the rear wheel 7.

Dans un deuxième mode de réalisation, l'invention concerne une trottinette représentée en fig. 3 et comprenant un cadre 1, un tube de direction 2 et une fourche arrière 3.In a second embodiment, the invention relates to a scooter represented in Fig. 3 and comprising a frame 1, a steering tube 2 and a rear fork 3.

La trottinette selon l'invention comprend encore une roue avant 4, fixée à une fourche avant 5 et dirigée par un guidon 6 selon le fonctionnement d'une trottinette classique, et une roue arrière 7 fixée à une fourche arrière 3.The scooter according to the invention further comprises a front wheel 4 fixed to a front fork 5 and directed by a handlebar 6 according to the operation of a conventional scooter, and a rear wheel 7 fixed to a rear fork 3.

Le cadre 1 de la trottinette de la fig. 3 est similaire au cadre 1 de la bicyclette de la fig. 1 en ce qu'il se compose d'un tube unique comportant un coude de direction 10, une diagonale 11, un coude avant 13, un entre-jambes 12 formant plateforme pour supporter les pieds de l'utilisateur, et un coude arrière 14. Il n'y a pas de tube de selle 15, puisque ce cycle n'a pas de selle 9. Il y a néanmoins une partie droite suivant le coude arrière 14, à laquelle est fixée une fourche arrière 3. Sa section présente également une forme carrée ou rectangulaire. Les avantages mentionnés plus haut en termes de simplicité de fabrication et souplesse d'utilisation sont donc semblables à ceux de la bicyclette selon l'invention.Frame 1 of the scooter of the Fig. 3 is similar to frame 1 of the bicycle of the Fig. 1 in that it consists of a single tube comprising a steering elbow 10, a diagonal 11, a front elbow 13, a crotch 12 forming a platform for supporting the feet of the user, and a rear elbow 14. There is no seat tube 15, since this cycle has no saddle 9. There is nevertheless a straight portion along the rear elbow 14, to which is fixed a rear fork 3. Its section also has a square or rectangular shape. The advantages mentioned above in terms of simplicity of manufacture and flexibility of use are therefore similar to those of the bicycle according to the invention.

Le tube formant le cadre 1 peut présenter une section carrée, par exemple de 4cm de côté et être ainsi plus facile à produire et à souder aux autres parties du cycle, la forme de la section de soudure étant simple, soit carrée, soit rectangulaire.The tube forming the frame 1 may have a square section, for example 4cm side and thus be easier to produce and weld to other parts of the cycle, the shape of the weld section being simple, either square or rectangular.

Le tube peut aussi être rectangulaire, avec une longueur légèrement supérieur à la largeur, par exemple une hauteur de 6cm pour une largeur de 4cm.The tube may also be rectangular, with a length slightly greater than the width, for example a height of 6cm for a width of 4cm.

Dans les coudes 10, 13, 14 du cadre 1, le tube carré peut être cintré selon la méthode du coude américain, c'est-à-dire en donnant à sa section une forme de H, comme représenté en fig. 2.In the elbows 10, 13, 14 of the frame 1, the square tube can be bent according to the method of the American elbow, that is to say by giving its section a shape of H, as represented in FIG. Fig. 2 .

Le procédé de cintrage se passe de la manière suivante :

  • On sélectionne un profil de tube carré ou légèrement rectangulaire
  • On le coupe à une longueur prédéfinie
  • On le plie, par exemple selon l'une des formes indiquées aux Fig. 1 et 3 donnant une diagonale 11, un entre-jambes 12 et un tube de selle 15, en variante fig. 3 une extrémité de cadre 1 apte à recevoir la fourche arrière 3, séparés par des coudes 13 et 14.
The bending process is as follows:
  • A square or slightly rectangular tube profile is selected
  • It is cut to a predefined length
  • It is folded, for example according to one of the forms indicated in Fig. 1 and 3 giving a diagonal 11, a crotch 12 and a seat tube 15, alternatively Fig. 3 a frame end 1 adapted to receive the rear fork 3, separated by bends 13 and 14.

Les coudes 10, 13, 14 peuvent se faire de préférence par un cintrage dit « américain », dans lequel on commence par enfoncer les deux parois perpendiculaires au plan du coude, dans les exemples des fig. les plans supérieur et inférieur du tube carré ou rectangulaire, avant de procéder au cintrage, de préférence à froid. Un tel procédé permet de maitriser la déformation du tube pendant le cintrage, et d'éviter une déchirure de la peau externe au coude jusqu'à des épaisseurs plus fines qu'avec d'autres méthodes de cintrage. Par ailleurs le moment quadratique du tube est réduit du fait de la forme en poignard au niveau des coudes, typiquement de 20% ou même de 50%, créant ainsi des coudes souples, ce qui confère au tube une bonne flexibilité au niveau des coudes 10, 13, 14.Elbows 10, 13, 14 may preferably be made by "American" bending, in which the two walls perpendicular to the plane of the bend are first inserted into the examples of FIGS. the upper and lower planes of the square or rectangular tube, before proceeding to bending, preferably cold. Such a method makes it possible to control the deformation of the tube during bending, and to prevent tearing of the skin outside the elbow to thinner thicknesses than with other bending methods. Moreover, the quadratic moment of the tube is reduced because of the dagger shape at the elbows, typically 20% or even 50%, thus creating flexible elbows, which gives the tube good flexibility in the elbows 10 , 13, 14.

Dans un mode préféré de réalisation de l'invention, le rayon de la roue avant 4 est inférieur au rayon de la roue arrière 7, ils peuvent par exemple mesurer respectivement 20 pouces et 26 pouces. La roue avant de 20 pouces peut être équipée d'un moteur électrique.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the radius of the front wheel 4 is smaller than the radius of the rear wheel 7, they can for example measure respectively 20 inches and 26 inches. The 20-inch front wheel can be equipped with an electric motor.

Les pneus utilisés pour les roues 4, 7, peuvent être des pneus ballons d'épaisseur 55 à 60 mm. Ce type de pneu permet de rouler sur toute sorte de route ou de chemin et offre plus de souplesse, notamment du fait de la pression réduite, à 2 ou 2,5 bars. L'avantage du pneu ballon est également de se déformer différemment des pneus étroits, de sorte à réduire les frottements de roulement.The tires used for the wheels 4, 7 may be balloon tires with a thickness of 55 to 60 mm. This type of tire makes it possible to drive on any kind of road or road and offers more flexibility, especially because of the reduced pressure, at 2 or 2.5 bars. The advantage of the balloon tire is also to deform differently from narrow tires, so as to reduce rolling friction.

Le cadre 1 peut être réalisé en acier, présentant ainsi une souplesse plus importante qu'un cadre aluminium. Le poids plus important de l'acier est compensé par la forme particulière du cadre à un seul tube. L'acier choisi peut être de l'acier E220, ou pour des performances plus importantes en termes de poids et/ou de résistance de l'acier 15CDV6.The frame 1 can be made of steel, thus having greater flexibility than an aluminum frame. The greater weight of steel is compensated by the particular shape of the single-tube frame. The selected steel may be E220 steel, or for greater performance in terms of weight and / or strength of 15CDV6 steel.

Le cycle selon l'invention peut comporter un support avant 16, par exemple fixé sur le tube de direction. Ce support avant peut être utilisé pour transporter une charge comme un panier. Dans le cas d'un cycle de location électrique, il peut également accueillir un connecteur pour le verrouillage et la recharge, et transmettre une information permettant à un système central de localiser la bicyclette.The cycle according to the invention may comprise a front support 16, for example fixed on the steering tube. This front support can be used to carry a load like a basket. In the case of an electric rental cycle, it can also accommodate a connector for locking and charging, and transmit information enabling a central system to locate the bicycle.

Le cycle selon l'invention peut comporter une charnière au niveau de la diagonale 11 ou de l'entrejambe 12. Ceci permet de plier le cycle pour son rangement, ou pour un transport.The cycle of the invention may include a hinge at the diagonal 11 or the crotch 12. This allows to fold the cycle for storage, or for transport.

L'invention peut également concerner un tricycle classique, comportant deux roues arrières et une roue avant, ou un tricycle dit « trike », comportant une roue arrière et deux roues avant. Ces deux applications demandent une adaptation du cadre 1 à la portée de l'homme du métier, tout en restant dans la portée de la présente invention, avec un cadre formé d'un tube unique plié.The invention may also relate to a conventional tricycle, comprising two rear wheels and a front wheel, or a tricycle called "trike", comprising a rear wheel and two front wheels. These two applications require an adaptation of the frame 1 to the scope of the skilled person, while remaining within the scope of the present invention, with a frame formed of a single folded tube.

L'avantage du cycle selon l'invention est d'abord sa souplesse, permettant d'obtenir, sans mise en place d'amortisseurs, un confort équivalent aux cycles de l'état de la technique avec amortisseurs. Cette souplesse permet également en cas de choc frontal, d'absorber une partie de l'énergie du choc par un pliage du cadre, permettant ainsi de réduire l'effet du choc sur le cycliste lui-même.The advantage of the cycle according to the invention is first of all its flexibility, making it possible to obtain, without setting up dampers, a comfort equivalent to the cycles of the state of the art with dampers. This flexibility also allows in case of frontal impact, to absorb some of the impact energy by folding the frame, thus reducing the effect of the shock on the cyclist himself.

Enfin la simplicité de la construction - un seul tube pour le cadre, pas d'amortisseur, permet d'obtenir un cycle peu onéreux, et raisonnablement léger, malgré l'utilisation préférée de l'acier.Finally the simplicity of the construction - a single tube for the frame, no damper, allows to obtain an inexpensive and reasonably light cycle, despite the preferred use of steel.

Claims (9)

Cycle, à pédalage assisté ou non, comprenant un cadre (1), une roue avant (4) reliée, libre en rotation autour de son axe, à une fourche avant (5) elle-même reliée à un guidon (6), ladite fourche avant (5) et ledit guidon (6) étant reliés de façon libre en rotation à un tube de direction (2), et une roue arrière (7) reliée libre en rotation autour de son axe à une fourche arrière (3), caractérisé en ce que ledit cadre (1) est constitué essentiellement d'un seul tube plié, fixé à son extrémité avant au tube de direction (2) et sur lequel la fourche arrière (3) est fixée, ledit tube plié (1) comportant au moins un coude souple (10, 13, 14), défini par le fait que le moment quadratique au niveau du coude souple (10, 13, 14) est plus faible qu'au niveau des parties droites dudit tube plié.Cycle, pedal assisted or not, comprising a frame (1), a front wheel (4) connected, free in rotation about its axis, to a front fork (5) itself connected to a handlebar (6), said front fork (5) and said handlebar (6) being rotatably connected to a steering tube (2), and a rear wheel (7) freely rotatably connected about its axis to a rear fork (3), characterized in that said frame (1) consists essentially of a single folded tube, fixed at its front end to the steering tube (2) and on which the rear fork (3) is fixed, said folded tube (1) comprising at least one flexible bend (10, 13, 14) defined in that the quadratic moment at the flexible bend (10, 13, 14) is smaller than at the straight portions of said bent tube. Cycle selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel ledit tube plié (1) est carré ou rectangulaire, et ledit coude souple (10, 13, 14) est un coude dit américain, dans lequel les faces du tube perpendiculaires au plan du coude (10, 13, 14) sont enfoncées au niveau du coude (10, 13, 14), de sorte à donner à la section du tube une forme en H.Cycle according to the preceding claim, wherein said folded tube (1) is square or rectangular, and said flexible bend (10, 13, 14) is a so-called American bend, in which the faces of the tube perpendicular to the plane of the bend (10, 13, 14) are depressed at the bend (10, 13, 14) so as to give the section of the tube an H-shape. Cycle selon l'une des revendications 2 ou 3, dans lequel ledit tube plié (1) comporte un coude souple comme coude avant (13) et un coude souple comme coude arrière (14) disposés proches du bas dudit cycle et espacés entre eux, de sorte à former un entre-jambes (12), sensiblement horizontal et proche du sol.Cycle according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein said folded tube (1) comprises a flexible elbow as a front elbow (13) and a flexible elbow as a rear elbow (14) arranged near the bottom of said cycle and spaced from each other, so as to form a crotch (12), substantially horizontal and close to the ground. Cycle selon la revendication précédente, comportant un coude de direction (10) souple, proche de l'extrémité avant du tube plié (1), de sorte à permettre une partie de tube coudé fortement inclinée vers le bas (11) tout en échappant la roue avant (4).Cycle according to the preceding claim, comprising a flexible directional elbow (10), close to the front end of the folded tube (1), so as to allow an angled tube portion sharply inclined downwardly (11) while escaping the front wheel (4). Cycle selon l'une des revendications 4 ou 5, dans lequel ledit tube plié (1) forme un tube de selle au-delà dudit coude arrière (14), et ledit cycle comporte un pédalier (8) fixé au tube plié (1) au dessus dudit coude arrière (14) au niveau dudit tube de selle.Cycle according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein said folded tube (1) forms a seat tube beyond said rear bend (14), and said cycle comprises a pedal (8) attached to the bent tube (1) above said rear bend (14) at said seat tube. Cycle selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite fourche arrière (3), ou chacun de deux bras de ladite fourche arrière (3), est maintenue par ledit tube plié (1) uniquement par l'extrémité de ladite fourche arrière (3) ou de chacun de deux bras de ladite fourche arrière (3), de sorte à former un maintien souple de la roue arrière (7) par rapport au tube plié (1).Cycle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said rear fork (3), or each of two arms of said rear fork (3), is maintained by said bent tube (1) only by the end of said rear fork (3) or each of two arms of said rear fork (3), so as to form a flexible holding of the rear wheel (7) relative with the folded tube (1). Cycle selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel l'extrémité de ladite fourche arrière (3) ou de chacun de deux bras de ladite fourche arrière (3) est fixée audit tube plié (1) au niveau d'une partie rectiligne dudit tube plié (1).Cycle according to the preceding claim, wherein the end of said rear fork (3) or each of two arms of said rear fork (3) is fixed to said bent tube (1) at a straight portion of said bent tube ( 1). Procédé de fabrication d'un cadre de cycle (1), comportant les étapes suivantes : - Coupe d'un tube métallique à section carrée ou rectangulaire, à une longueur prédéfinie pour le cadre (1), - Cintrage du tube métallique pour former le cadre (1), sans triangulation, ledit cadre (1) comportant au moins un coude souple (10, 13, 14), défini par le fait que le moment quadratique au niveau du coude souple (10, 13, 14) est plus faible qu'au niveau des parties droites dudit tube plié, - Fixation, notamment par soudure, de divers éléments au cadre (1), en particulier le tube de direction (2) et la fourche arrière (3). A method of manufacturing a cycle frame (1), comprising the steps of: - Cutting a metal tube with square or rectangular section, to a predefined length for the frame (1), - Bending the metal tube to form the frame (1), without triangulation, said frame (1) having at least one flexible bend (10, 13, 14), defined by the fact that the quadratic moment at the flexible bend (10 , 13, 14) is smaller than at the straight portions of said folded tube, - Fixing, in particular by welding, various elements to the frame (1), in particular the steering tube (2) and the rear fork (3). Procédé de fabrication selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel l'étape de cintrage du tube métallique pour former le cadre (1) comprend une étape de déformation du tube par enfoncement d'un outil dans ses deux faces opposées perpendiculaires au plan du coude de sorte à donner à la section du profil une forme en H, puis une étape de cintrage à froid.Manufacturing method according to the preceding claim, wherein the step of bending the metal tube to form the frame (1) comprises a step of deformation of the tube by driving a tool into its two opposite faces perpendicular to the plane of the elbow so to give the section of the profile an H shape, then a cold bending step.
EP17157769.5A 2016-02-26 2017-02-24 Flexible frame cycle Active EP3210869B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1670063A FR3048224B1 (en) 2016-02-26 2016-02-26 CYCLE WITH FLEXIBLE FRAME

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Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR731386A (en) * 1931-09-10 1932-09-02 Frames for bicycles and motorcycles
DE1680582A1 (en) * 1966-10-26 1970-07-09 Schauff Dipl Ing Hans Bicycle with a central tube frame
DE9315373U1 (en) * 1993-10-12 1994-01-05 Popp, Hermann, Dipl.-Ing. (FH), 97424 Schweinfurt Central frame for two-wheelers
CN2233358Y (en) * 1995-08-18 1996-08-21 郁珺实业股份有限公司 Fault-free frame structure of cycle
DE20114983U1 (en) * 2001-09-11 2001-12-06 Pfau Tec Gmbh Kick scooter frame with seat device
AU2003100913A4 (en) * 2003-11-03 2004-01-22 Volpato, Gino Beniamino Mr Billy cart
EP1580105A1 (en) * 2004-03-22 2005-09-28 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Vehicle
WO2008022352A2 (en) * 2006-08-18 2008-02-21 Hays Marcus G Two wheel vehicles

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5261686A (en) * 1992-04-06 1993-11-16 Buckler Clive E Semi-recumbent

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR731386A (en) * 1931-09-10 1932-09-02 Frames for bicycles and motorcycles
DE1680582A1 (en) * 1966-10-26 1970-07-09 Schauff Dipl Ing Hans Bicycle with a central tube frame
DE9315373U1 (en) * 1993-10-12 1994-01-05 Popp, Hermann, Dipl.-Ing. (FH), 97424 Schweinfurt Central frame for two-wheelers
CN2233358Y (en) * 1995-08-18 1996-08-21 郁珺实业股份有限公司 Fault-free frame structure of cycle
DE20114983U1 (en) * 2001-09-11 2001-12-06 Pfau Tec Gmbh Kick scooter frame with seat device
AU2003100913A4 (en) * 2003-11-03 2004-01-22 Volpato, Gino Beniamino Mr Billy cart
EP1580105A1 (en) * 2004-03-22 2005-09-28 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Vehicle
WO2008022352A2 (en) * 2006-08-18 2008-02-21 Hays Marcus G Two wheel vehicles

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FR3048224A1 (en) 2017-09-01
FR3048224B1 (en) 2019-08-16

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